Facebook flip-flops over videos of beheadings

Facebook has backed down over the posting of videos depicting beheadings after being branded "irresponsible" by U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron.

The social media website said it had "re-examined" the issue and removed a beheading video after concluding that it "improperly and irresponsibly glorifies violence." It vowed to "strengthen the enforcement" of policies on graphic content, removing posts which celebrate violence and taking into account whether they are being shared "responsibly."

This could include warnings about their content or blocking underage viewers from accessing them.

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Cameron welcomed the move, but made clear he would be waiting to see whether the new approach was sufficient to protect children from being exposed to the gory films.

"I'm pleased Facebook has changed its approach on beheading videos," He wrote on Twitter. "The test is now to ensure their policy is robust in protecting children."

Facebook sparked a storm when it lifted a temporary ban imposed in May on beheading videos, on the grounds that the site is used to share information about world events. The ban was sparked by complaints over a video of a woman being beheaded by a Mexican drug cartel, but has now been removed.

The company said it would still take down posts which celebrated or encouraged beheadings, but critics called for a rethink.

"It's irresponsible of Facebook to post beheading videos, especially without a warning. They must explain their actions to worried parents," Cameron said.

The company has now issued a new statement, clarifying its policy.

"People turn to Facebook to share their experiences and to raise awareness about issues important to them. Sometimes, those experiences and issues involve graphic content that is of public interest or concern, such as human rights abuses, acts of terrorism and other violence," the company said in a statement.

"When people share this type of graphic content, it is often to condemn it. If it is being shared for sadistic pleasure or to celebrate violence, Facebook removes it.